There have been complaints about people sleeping outside the Police station and fights.It seems horrendous to get the NIE now. We always go to Reus no problem there,Tarragona also has problems.
http://www.diaridetarragona.com/ebre/45477/40-hores-per-renovar-el-nie-a-tortosa

When we went to Tortosa they were giving 10 numbers to europeans and 10 to non europeans. No problem at Reus they said they knew there was a problem at Tortosa.

Cariad did you make an appointment at Reus or just go and is your address in the Reus area?

We tried to go back to Reus to get another NIE cert. as the last was lost or stolen, but we were told we had to go to Tortosa as Reus no longer covered our area (L'Ametlla de Mar).  I phoned Tortosa and was told they give out numbers 24h per day.  We got there at 08.30 yesterday and were told we didn't need a number but to be back by 09.00.  At 09.00 there were a couple of people in front of us but we got into the office quite quickly.  We already had all the necessary documentation and application forms with us. We were sent out to make some photocopies and to pay the fee in a bank then we returned to the Police Station and after a few minutes were called into the office where the new certificate was handed over.  All in all a very painless process. Get there early though as they only let a few people in per day.

By the way, we had to go to the Comisaría de Policia Nacional de Tortosa on the edge of the big park (Passeig de Joan Moreira, 3) NOT the one in Passeig de la Ribera.

I have read in the Spanish press that they are working to bring in an online appointment system which should make the whole process even easier.

I just want to conform and have residencia for my retirement.

Residencia does not exist any more, it hasn't existed for a number of years although the term is still used.

'Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la union'  translates to 'Certificate of registration of citizen of the (European) union' and not 'Resident of Spain'. It has your Spanish address and your NIE number. It does not oblige you to live at that address or be registered as living at that address - this is the 'Empadronamiento' (or Padron), equivalent to the UK 'Electoral register' and you should only be registered this way in one place and should re register at the new town hall when moving house.

If you reside in Spain for more than 3 months (I guess this is why the NIE has a 3 month expiry) then you should apply and obtain a 'Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la union' certificate.

Official information here:
http://extranjeros.empleo.gob.es/es/InformacionInteres/InformacionProcedimientos...

I've searched to see if you should cancel the certificate if you are not living here but there is nothing on any of the official government sites.

Unofficial and correct/incorrect information and interpret how you want: Search Google

Personally I have a 'Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la union' as I live here permanently but if I didn't I would still get one to save the hassle.

I obtained an NIE number for the purchase of my property last year. I haven't renewed it or applied for the 'Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión'.

Is there any legal requirement to renew the NIE as I only visit 3 or 4 times a year (totaling a month or two)?